Ever since I met the wonderful students and dedicated staff at Leganes National High School in the Philippines, I have been thinking about how my school community in the United States might help them gain access to much-needed resources. The staff do their work without adequate books or technology, and pay for many needed supplies, even photocopying for lessons, own of their own pockets from their meager salaries. When I returned, I shared the story of Leganes with our school’s leadership team, and asked for ideas for how we could make a difference.

Our extraordinary media specialist Anita jumped right on the idea and suggested centering a fundraiser around International Literacy Day on September 8. Since the school year started on August 31, we needed to move quickly to spread the word and generate enthusiasm.

We organized a “hat day” event on September 8 and 9, where students could wear a hat to school, normally not permitted, in exchange for a one dollar donation to the Leganes fund.

Sixth grade students with me on Hat Day.

Seventh grade hat day participants.

Eighth grade Hat Day students. Note the giant squid hat!

We also wrote announcements to publicize the event, sharing some statistics about Leganes. Student members of the National Junior Honor Society collaborated to create informative posters and announcements. I also spoke to a gathering of parents at our school’s Back to School Night to explain the purpose of our fundraiser. I connected our goals to the school’s International Baccalaureate program, which encourages students to be internationally minded and to serve others.

Raising funds — and awareness.

Result? We raised over $400 which will shortly wing its way to the Philippines to support the school resources fund of Leganes. Even more rewarding than the money raised were the conversations I had with countless teachers, students, and parents who had heard about the fundraiser. Here are some of the repeated themes of those conversations:

• We are so fortunate to live where we do.
• My school (in Ecuador, Morocco, Uganda, Peru, El Salvador, and so on…) also lacked resources, so I can connect personally to the experience of the students at Leganes.
• I’m from the Philippines originally. I love it there, but the poverty can be overwhelming.
• I’d like to learn more about Leganes and communicate with the students there.
• So, when are you going back?

Literacy king and queen in our royal hat day gear!

Leganes, you are always in my heart. I’m so glad we can do one small thing for you to return some the infinite kindness you showed towards me.